Ifaki Progressive Union (IPU) Sets Guidelines for National Elections.

Ifaki Progressive Union (IPU) Sets Guidelines for National Elections.

The Olufaki of Ifaki Kingdom in Isokan Local Government Development Area of Ekiti State, Oba (Dr.) John Adegbenro Falore and Ifaki Progressive Union Union (IPU) had set up an Electoral Committee consisting of 8 members to conduct elections into the national offices of IPU for the next four years dispensation. The members of the Electoral Committee includes:

1. Mr. Tayo Agbelese - Chairman

2. Prof. (Sir) Biodun Ojo - Member / Recorder of minutes 

3. Mr. Niyi Adeoya - Member

4. Mr. Jide Familoye - Member

5. Otunba Kehinde Oguntoyinbo - Member

6. Mrs. Funmi Alake-Apata - Member

7. Chief (Mrs.) Adijat Bimbo Yusuf - Member

8. High Chief Tunji Olaiya, Olokun of Ifaki - Member

In preparation for the elections of the National Officers of the Ifaki Progressive Union (IPU), the Electoral Committee at its inauguration meeting, discussed guidelines and conditions for the eligibility of contestants prior to obtaining the expression of interest form for any of the declared offices. 

The Electoral Committee Chairman, Chief Tayo Agbelese intimated members with the reasons for setting up the committee; to establish guidelines for the upcoming IPU National Elections taking place on March 30, 2024.

Chief Agbelese enumerated the criteria for the guidelines on the elections. Members of the committee discussed these criteria, and they were approved as follows:  

(a) Age must be a criteria for contestants in the election. For National President and Deputy National President, they must be 50 years and above at the time of contesting for the election.

(b)The National Secretary and Deputy National Secretary must be 45 years and above at the time of contesting for the election 

(c) While for the other positions , except for the Ifaki Youth Council, they must be 40 years and above.

All the contestants must be gainfully employed and or must have source or means of livelihood. Contestants must show evidence of participation in IPU activities either at the local or national level in the past 5 years in order to establish cognate experience.

Also a contestant must be endorsed by the Local or National IPU Chapter Chairman and or must be endorsed by a notable personality from Ifaki-Ekiti in the areas where there is no recognised IPU local or National Chapter.

While a contestant must have paid 2023 and 2024 Development level in order to be allowed to contest, voters must have paid either 2023 or 2024 Development levies in order to be allowed to vote in the IPU National elections.

Candidates for the elections must have picked up, completed and submitted the expression of interest forms before March 23, 2024.

To contest for the National President and the Vice President, the candidate must pick up the nomination form at a cost of Ten thousand Naira (N10,000.00) only. While to contest for the position of National Secretary and Assistant National Secretary, candidate must pick up the form at the cost of five thousand Naira (N5,000.00) only. For any other positions at the National level, such as Treasurer, Financial Secretary, Organizing Secretary, Publicity Secretary, Welfare Officer, Auditor, candidate must pay three thousand Naira (N3,000.00) only.

The committee further agreed that all elective positions are opened to all Ifaki-Ekiti indigenes, living in Nigeria and in the Diaspora. The nomination form will be available electronically and in hard copies at designated places such as Olufaki Palace for those living in Ekiti and environs, while in Lagos at Mr. Jide Familoye’s place, and in Abuja at Otunba Kehinde Oguntoyinbo’s place. The Election Debate will be on March 25, 2024. Deadline for the submission of forms is March 23, 2024 and the first screening is a week before the March 30, 2024 elections. The Account Number to pay Ifaki Development levy will be announced. All Electoral Committee members are advised to pay up their annual dues to show Leadership by examples.

The Electoral Committee of IPU for the year 2024 IPU National election further agreed unanimously for the election of three (3) Diaspora Coordinators, including: IPU USA Diaspora Coordinator, IPU Canada Diaspora Coordinator, and IPU UK/Europe Diaspora Coordinator.

Chief Agbelese thanked members for a job well done and for coming up with various suggestions, opinions and agreements to ensure a clean, and fair elections for the National IPU Exco. He encouraged members to continue to contribute their quotas toward ensuring a better Ifaki.

Chief Agbelese promised on behalf of the Electoral Committee not to let the Olufaki of Ifaki, Oba (Dr.) John Adegbenro Falore and Ifaki sons and daughters both at home and abroad down in installing a vibrant New IPU EXCO for the next four years.

Commenting on the progress recorded so far by the Electoral Committee, the Olufaki of Ifaki, Oba (Dr) Adegbenro Falore thanked all sons and daughters of Ifaki for their overwhelming support for his administration ever since he ascended the throne of his Forefathers. Oba Falore also commended the Electoral Committee members for providing leadership on the Elections process with fair guidelines and conditions for the eligibilities of candidates for all positions. These efforts are in good directions to make Ifaki and its environs a better place for all. He then charged all sons and daughters of Ifaki-Ekiti both home and abroad to show more commitment to the development of Ifaki so that Ifaki-Ekiti can regain its lost glory.

Oyebanji Wraps Up Extensive Three-Day Roads Project Inspection in Ado, Prioritizing State's Infrastructure Development.

Oyebanji Wraps Up Extensive Three-Day Roads Project Inspection in Ado, Prioritizing State's Infrastructure Development.

By Olamide Akinwumi

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, wrapped up a comprehensive three-day project inspection exercise on Thursday by visiting various ongoing road projects across Ado-Ekiti, the state capital. Among the projects inspected were the GRA extension dislocation, GRA 3rd extension road, Omisanjana-Alasia-Deeper Life-Atlas Road, Agric Olope-Moferere Road, Okeyinmi Flyover Bridge, Ado-Ekiti Ring Road, Ado-Iworoko-Ifaki Road, Hospital Management Board Road, and Jimoh Aliu Road.

Expressing his satisfaction, Governor Oyebanji commended the pace and quality of work carried out by the contractors, indicating that the projects are on track for timely completion. 

Residents of the various communities visited expressed their gratitude to the Governor for his commitment to development, noting the transformative impact of the ongoing projects on every part of the state.

During the tour, Governor Oyebanji took the opportunity to engage with residents, soliciting their feedback and addressing any concerns they may have regarding the projects and other areas of interest. 

This interactive approach reaffirmed the Governor's commitment to ensuring that the needs and aspirations of the people are adequately addressed in the development agenda of the state.

Prior to the Ado-Ekiti tour, the Governor had earlier inspected a series of road projects across different locations in the state, including Igede-Ilawe Road, Erinjinyan-Ilawe Road, Ikogosi-Igbara Odo Road, Ikere-Igbara Odo Road, Ikere-Akure Road (Ondo State Border), Ikere-Ise-Emure Road, Isinbode/Ara/Ikole Road, Itapa/Omu/Ijelu Road, and Ayegunle/Ijurin/Iloro/Ipoti/Ilukuno Road.

Again, Mr. Governor lead by example by appearing in another colorful adire T-shirt produced in Adire Ekiti Hub, Ado Ekiti.

The comprehensive inspection exercise underscores Governor Oyebanji's commitment to infrastructure development and his proactive approach to addressing the critical needs of the state. As the projects progress, they are expected to significantly enhance connectivity, facilitate socio-economic development, and improve the overall quality of life for residents across Ekiti State.

Olubadan, Oba Lekan Balogun joins Ancestors At 81.

Olubadan, Oba Lekan Balogun joins Ancestors At 81.

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, is dead.

He was aged 81.

Oba Balogun spent two years on the throne of his forefathers, having been presented the Staff of Office by the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on March 11, 2022.

Confirming his death in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, on Thursday, Makinde said Oba Balogun died Thursday evening at the University College Hospital, Ibadan.

The governor described the late monarch as a towering figure akin to an Iroko tree.

He wrote, “With total submission to the will of God, I announce the passing unto glory of our father, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland.

“A mighty Iroko has fallen; Oba Balogun has joined the ancestors.

“In Kabiyesi, Ibadanland had a cosmopolitan and well-experienced Olubadan, who made indelible marks on the sands of history and achieved greatly within a short while.

“On behalf of the government and good people of the state, I condole with the immediate family of the Oba Balogun, the Olubadan-in-Council, the state Traditional Council and the people of Ibadanland. It is my prayer that God grants repose to the soul of our late monarch.”

“The passing of Oba Dr. Balogun marks the end of an era for Ibadanland, leaving behind a profound void in its rich history and heritage,” he added.

The late Olubadan was born on October 18, 1942.

The Olubadan ascended his forefathers’ throne two years ago after the passage of the late Oba Saliu Adetunji.

On Monday, the late monarch thanked God for the grace and privilege to clock two years on the throne, just as he thanked members of his advisory council for their unflinching support so far.

Balogun, in a statement by his Personal Assistant on Media, Oladele Ogunsola, in Ibadan, the state capital, said the second anniversary, which coincided with the commencement of this year’s Ramadan fast, was also used as an opportunity by the monarch to ask for prayers for the country by the Islamic faithful and expression of love for one another to make the period stress-free for the adherents.

The monarch said his clocking two years on the throne was a special grace by his creator that he could not take for granted.

Tinubu Relocates NACA to Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.

Tinubu Relocates NACA to Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.

By Olamide Akinwumi

In a bid to streamline operations and enhance collaboration in the fight against HIV/AIDS, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Thursday has approved the relocation of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) to the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.

Previously under the purview of the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, NACA's relocation aims to foster synergy and coordination within the health sector, particularly in pursuit of the nation's goal to achieve the 95-95-95 pathway for ending the AIDS epidemic.

President Tinubu, in line with his administration's Renewed Hope Agenda, prioritizes harmonizing institutions across sectors to ensure improved coordination and synergy among agencies. The decision to relocate NACA underscores the president's commitment to efficient and qualitative service delivery to all Nigerians.

Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, reiterated the administration's commitment to harmonizing institutions within and between sectors. This strategic realignment is expected to facilitate more effective coordination and ensure that all Nigerians have access to quality healthcare services.

As Nigeria continues its efforts to combat HIV/AIDS and achieve sustainable development goals, the relocation of NACA to the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare signals a proactive step towards strengthening the country's health system and advancing the collective agenda of ending the AIDS epidemic.

We Will Continue To Work With Intellectuals, Policy Experts For Nigeria's Progress – VP Shettima.

We Will Continue To Work With Intellectuals, Policy Experts For Nigeria's  Progress – VP Shettima. 

The Vice President, Sen. Kashim Shettima, has said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will continue to harness the experience of Nigeria’s intellectuals and policy experts in actualizing the government’s renewed hope agenda.

 

He stated this on Thursday in Abuja when he received the board and management of Bruit Costaud, a government affairs outfit, strategic policy communications and advisory firm, at the Presidential Villa.

 

Sen. Shettima who applauded the foresight of the managing partner of the firm and former Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, noted that the assemblage of renowned experts across diverse fields at the firm was commendable.

 

He said, “The calibre of people covering a wide spectrum of areas, including security, energy, international diplomacy, communications and others, is a testimony of the seriousness of the group.

 

“I am also glad to know that our intellectuals and policy experts are still relevant in the scheme of things, contributing to the progress of our country. That is how it should be. The world is knowledge-driven; everything that we are doing today is guided by knowledge. That is why we have to engage groups like yours.”

 

In his remark, Alhaji Lai Mohammed introduced members of the team which was on a courtesy visit to the Presidential Villa, even as he thanked the Vice President for the opportunity to share insights on the firm’s activities and its proposal for the present administration.

 

He applauded the efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in addressing contemporary challenges, pledging the firm’s commitment to supporting the administration in succeeding in its task of transforming Nigeria.

“We reaffirm our commitment to the advancement of our beloved country, Nigeria, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu (GCFR) and the well-being of its people. Together, we can overcome any challenge and realize the immense potential that Nigeria holds.

 

“Nigeria stands at a pivotal moment in its history, facing both challenges and opportunities that require astute policy guidance and strategic advocacy. We are confident that through the bold initiatives of Mr. President, we will surmount these challenges.”

 

Speaking further, Mohammed assured that the firm will deploy resources within its areas of expertise to support the government in addressing challenges in the economy and related areas. 

 

He said, “Your Excellency, our firm is dedicated to leveraging our expertise, experience, and extensive network to support government policies that promote economic prosperity, social equity, and sustainable development. As insiders with the knowledge and hands-on experience, we believe we can bring our experiences to bear to support the administration. 

 

“We commend your leadership and vision in supporting the President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) to steer Nigeria towards the path of progress and prosperity. Your commitment to fostering innovation, empowering communities, and championing inclusive growth has not gone unnoticed.”

 

Also present at the meeting were senior advisers at the firm, former Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Otunba Niyi Adebayo; former Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Hon. Aisha Abubakar; a retired Diplomat, Amb. Tunde Ajisomo, and Engr Abdur Rasheed Omidiya, among others.

Oyebanji Engages FHA CEO, Honorable Oyetunde, to Advance Affordable Housing in Ekiti.

Oyebanji Engages FHA CEO, Honorable Oyetunde, to Advance Affordable Housing in Ekiti.

By Olamide Akinwumi. 

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, embarked on a strategic meeting with the newly appointed Managing Director/CEO of the Federal Housing Authority (FHA), Honorable Oyetunde Ojo, and a team of senior officials at the Governor's office on Thursday, March 14th. The primary objective of the session was to deliberate on the state government's support for the Federal Government's affordable housing initiative.

During the deliberations, Governor Oyebanji stressed the significance of collaborative efforts between state and federal entities in addressing the pressing housing needs of the populace. He reaffirmed the commitment of the Ekiti State Government to actively engage and support the FHA's endeavors aimed at providing affordable housing solutions to the residents of Ekiti State.

Governor Oyebanji assured the FHA delegation of the state government's preparedness to facilitate the housing project by earmarking suitable land parcels and providing essential infrastructure to facilitate the smooth implementation of the initiative. He reiterated the administration's unwavering dedication to enhancing the living standards of the people by ensuring access to quality and affordable housing options.

The meeting culminated in a mutual expression of optimism regarding the potential outcomes of the collaboration between the Ekiti State Government and the FHA. Both parties underscored the positive impact that such synergy would have on addressing housing challenges and driving socio-economic development across Ekiti State.

In appreciation of Governor Oyebanji's steadfast support and commitment to the success of the affordable housing initiative, the FHA delegation extended gratitude for the collaborative partnership.

The discussions highlighted the pivotal role of partnership and synergy between federal and state governments in addressing critical housing needs and fostering overall socio-economic growth within the state.

As the collaboration progresses, stakeholders eagerly anticipate further updates on the joint efforts between the Ekiti State Government and the Federal Housing Authority to deliver accessible and affordable housing solutions to the people of Ekiti State.

Ekiti First Lady Advocates For Equal Political And Economic Opportunities For Men And Women.

Ekiti First Lady Advocates For Equal Political And Economic Opportunities For Men And Women. 

....Pays Tributes to Afe Babalola's Mother as ABUAD Law Students Celebrate International Women's Day.

Wife of Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, has advocated for equal political and economic opportunities for men and women in Nigeria to foster a just and equitable society.

Dr. Oyebanji made the call on Thursday while delivering a keynote address at this year's International Women's Day Lecture held in honor of the mother of the Founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti (ABUAD), the late Chief (Mrs.) Abigail Ajayi Babalola.

The International Women's Day at ABUAD was organized by the Law Students' Society of the University to specially celebrate the virtues, life, and times of the late mother of the Founder. The theme of the celebration was "Inspiring Inclusion: Men and Women as Partners in Progress."

The Governor's wife said the Biodun Oyebanji Administration has been at the forefront of providing more political and economic opportunities to women, which has being widely acknowledged both locally and internationally as unprecedented.

According to her, Ekiti presently has seven female local government chairpersons, 16 female council vice-chairpersons, seven female council secretaries, 33 women councillors, a female Deputy Governor, a female Deputy Speaker, and six female House of Assembly members.

Dr. Oyebanji also informed the audience that other key positions presently occupied by women in Ekiti State include Secretary to the State Government, Accountant General, Auditor General for Local Governments, President of the Customary Court of Appeal, nine cabinet positions, and 28 non-cabinet positions.

She deplored the low percentage of women occupying positions in governance in Nigeria, which has prevented the voice of women from being heard in the national discourse, noting that the example set by Ekiti could be improved upon for men and women to occupy leadership positions without any bias.

Dr. Oyebanji identified strategies for inspiring more women inclusion to include equal access to opportunities and resources, representation and participation in decision-making, leading and mentoring,as well as promoting women's economic empowerment.

The First Lady suggested that young and elderly women should be actively engaged in the quest for personal development to enable them to fulfill their potentials to the benefit of the nation and mankind.

Dr. Oyebanji paid glowing tributes to the late mother of ABUAD Founder, celebrating her legacies of industry, enterprise, motherhood, discipline, and other virtues she stood for, in her lifetime.

In his remarks, ABUAD Founder, Aare Babalola, noted that Nigerians would experience better governance if women are given the opportunities to hold key leadership positions because they are loyal, hardworking, and accountable.

The legal icon said the excellence attained by his institution could be traced to the fact that women are occupying key positions of Vice-Chancellor, Registrar, and bursar, which shows that women can hold their own if given the opportunities.

Aare Babalola advocated a constitutional amendment to accommodate 40 per cent of women in elected and appointive positions at all levels in Nigeria, expressing belief that the country would witness better development and a reduction of corruption if the suggestion is implemented.

The ABUAD Founder also commended Dr. Oyebanji, whom he described as an "extraordinary First Lady," noting that her delivery of the keynote speech showed that she is a PhD holder in Education. He also commended Dr. Oyebanji for volunteering to teach students in the university free of charge.

The ABUAD law students presented a giant portrait of the mother of Aare Babalola, who, in return, donated N2 million to the Law Students' Society.